The one-hour special, based on Jacqueline Woodson’s bestselling picture book, is now in production at the Thunderbird Entertainment Kids and Family production arm.
Thunderbird Entertainment has announced that The Day You Begin, a brand-new animated original special from its Kids and Family content arm, Atomic Cartoons, is heading to PBS KIDS. The special is currently in production at Atomic’s Vancouver studio.
The Day You Begin is based on the bestselling picture book of the same name by Macarthur Fellow, National Book Award, and Newbery Honor-winning author Jacqueline Woodson. The one-hour animated special follows kindergartners Angelina, Rigoberto, Oni and Andre on their first day of school, and is told from each of their points of view. They each have different experiences in the same classroom, and throughout the course of the day at school, the kids learn what makes them unique and what connects them to others.
“Jacqueline Woodson’s incredible book not only encapsulates the excitement and trepidation experienced by children on their first day of school, but it also helps to show what entering a classroom for the first time is like, and showcases that kids’ uniqueness is a strength,” said Kristin Cummings, SVP of Originals, Atomic Cartoons. “We can think of no better broadcast partner than PBS KIDS for this project that aims to help kids with school readiness while thoroughly entertaining them.”
“The magic and excitement of the first day of school and how children start to define themselves within a community is the perfect topic for a family special on PBS KIDS,” said Adriano Schmid, VP, PBS KIDS Content, PBS. “We’re such fans of Jacqueline Woodson and The Day You Begin book, and we’re thrilled to embark on this production with our partners at Atomic.”
“The Day You Begin has been so beloved by so many kids in this country and around the world,” added Woodson. “I’m excited to see it come to animated life on screen, where even more young people can see — through the characters in this story — reflections of their own beauty and brilliance. PBS KIDS is the perfect place for this show.”
The Day You Begin is produced by Atomic Cartoons. Woodson and screenwriter Dana Chan (Alma’s Way, Santiago of the Seas, Dora the Explorer) co-wrote the script. Cummings and Jennifer Twiner McCarron serve as executive producers for Atomic/Thunderbird, alongside Woodson, Maria Pepin, and Matthew Berkowitz. Atomic’s Lori Massini and Joel Bradley co-executive produce, while Heather Renney serves as supervising producer.
Thunderbird Distribution will debut the special to prospective international buyers at global sales market MIPjunior/MIPCOM, taking place in Cannes on October 19 - 24.
Source: Thunderbird Entertainment
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
